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LUCERNE, Calif. — A fast-moving wildland fire along Highway 20 is threatening structures and prompting evacuations in Lucerne.
The Arden fire was first dispatched at around 2:10 p.m. Saturday on Highway 20 and Foothill Drive, on the west end of town.
The first units on scene said the fire was between one and two acres, with a moderate rate of spread and moving uphill with multiple structures threatened.
Cal Fire dispatched air attack and tankers, with units coming from Northshore Fire and Lakeport Fire, and units on call from the Mendocino National Forest.
Evacuations were called for in the fire’s immediate area around Roland Road and Arden Drive.
The California Highway Patrol has been requested to respond and close Highway 20 at the fire’s location.
Air resources arrived just before 2:30 p.m. Air attack reported that at that time the fire was five acres in grass, with a moderate rate of spread and spotting, with the potential for 50 acres.
At about the same time, it was reported that there were some structures involved.
At 2:35 p.m., an evacuation order was sent via phone for the evacuation zone LUC-E053, at the west end of the town. A phone call from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office followed.
A unit was requested to the incident command post at 2:45 p.m. for a medical aid. A short time later, Lakeport’s fire chief transported one person off the incident.
At 2:48 p.m. they said it was 10 to 15 acres, running uphill with multiple structures threatened, but no spotting on the hill.
At around 3 p.m., the evacuation zone was expanded to LUC-E059, LUC-E063 and LUC-E067, taking up much of the town.
The sheriff’s office said a temporary evacuation point is being established in the parking lot of East Lake Elementary School, 13050 High Valley Road in Clearlake Oaks.
Just after 3:30 p.m., the power went off across Lucerne. Initial estimates from PG&E are that power will not be restored until 10:45 p.m. Saturday.
By 4 p.m., zones LUC-E059 and LUC-E067 had been reduced to evacuation warnings. About 10 minutes later, it was reported over the air that the rest of the zones also were reduced to evacuation warnings.
Shortly before 5 p.m., the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center opened as a cooling center due to the power remaining out. The center is located at 3985 Country Club Drive. No pets are accepted. Service animals are OK. Hours will vary based on community needs. Any questions can be directed to the Senior Center at 707-274-8779.
At 6:16 p.m., there was a report of a new fire start at the head of the fire, outside of the fire lines. Incident command requested air attack respond.
That new fire start is reported to be underneath high tension power lines.
This report is being updated on an ongoing basis.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
